In this episode of Earn Your Leisure, we sit down with hip hop media pioneer Ralph McDaniels, creator of Video Music Box. He shares how he built the show like a mixtape, maintained full creative control, and gave artists like Nas their first shot in front of the camera.

We explore the golden era of music videos, MTV’s impact, and whether Suge Knight gets enough credit for shaping the industry. Ralph also responds to Dr. Umar’s critiques of hip hop and discusses the genre’s lasting power to connect people worldwide.

From stories about DMX, Kanye, and Drake, to thoughts on New York’s musical influence and threats like Project 2025, this episode is full of game, history, and cultural insight. Tap in.

Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com

#RalphMcDaniels #VideoMusicBox #Nas #HipHopHistory #SugeKnight #MTV #KanyeWest #Drake #Project2025 #EarnYourLeisure #EYL #DMX #BlackExcellence

Welcome to another insightful Market Mondays clip! In this discussion, Ian Dunlap, Troy Millings, and Rashad Bilal break down the major players driving the surge in defense technology and the moral dilemmas facing investors today.

This week, we focus on Meta, Palantir, and OpenAI—three giants shaping not just the tech world but the future of defense and AI. The hosts address why Meta and Palantir stocks are on the rise, with Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg rumored to be cozying up to political power, and Palantir increasingly seen as a force in modern warfare scenarios. There’s also talk about OpenAI’s potential as a future public market player and how Anduril, another defense tech company not yet publicly traded, is pushing the boundaries of the industry.

Ian, Troy, and Rashad explore the shift in Silicon Valley, where defense tech has gone from “antiquated” to trendy, with CEOs turning into celebrities—and wars discussed not just as tragedies, but as investment opportunities. They dive into why RTX (Raytheon Technologies) has outpaced other traditional defense stocks and discuss how the IPO market is heating up for these types of companies.

But with these meteoric rises come tough questions. As defense becomes big tech’s next growth sector, is it moral to invest in companies profiting from conflict? The trio comments on the dilemma of investing for growth versus navigating personal and societal ethics. They also touch on the personal stories behind the companies—like how Palmer Luckey’s firing from Meta allegedly for supporting Trump fuels the "revenge story" of Anduril, and what it means for today’s business and political climate.

If you’re interested in the intersection of tech, war, and Wall Street, this clip is for you. Discover how the investment landscape is changing, which companies are set to skyrocket, and why defense tech is no longer operating in the shadows.

*Key Topics in this Clip:*

• Meta, Palantir & OpenAI: What’s driving their dominance?
• Why traditional defense stocks like Raytheon aren’t moving as expected
• Emerging companies (like Anduril) and their potential IPOs
• The celebrity CEOs of defense tech and the mainstreaming of war
• Moral dilemmas: investing for profit vs. personal ethics in defense tech
• Behind the business: Palmer Luckey, Mark Zuckerberg & political power moves

Join the conversation with Ian, Troy, and Rashad as they challenge you to think about your role—and your responsibility—as an investor in today’s volatile world.

*Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!*

#MarketMondays #DefenseTech #Palantir #Meta #OpenAI #Anduril #Investing #TechStocks #AI #WallStreet #MoralInvesting #IPO #Finance #WarEconomy

In this episode of Earn Your Leisure, Kirk Franklin and Norman Gyamfi sit down for a powerful conversation that bridges faith, culture, and business. They share the story of how their partnership began and why their mission goes far beyond music. Norman reveals how a lack of marketing in the gospel industry motivated him to get involved, and he breaks down the business behind Insignia Assets. Kirk opens up about his past experiences working with family and friends, and the hard lessons he learned from signing a bad record deal.

Together, they explore the current state of gospel music—its struggles with cultural relevance, outdated record structures, and slow adaptation to streaming. Kirk and Norman reflect on whether today’s generation is searching for a new kind of spirituality and whether the church is meeting them where they are. They discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on music and faith, questioning if technology could ever replace real authenticity or even spiritual leadership.

The conversation goes deep on themes of judgment, power, and how the Black church has both uplifted and, at times, weaponized religion. Kirk questions whether being held to a higher standard has truly benefited him, while Norman reminds us why we should never lose hope in humanity. This episode is raw, honest, and necessary for anyone thinking critically about the intersection of faith, leadership, and legacy.

Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com

#EarnYourLeisure #KirkFranklin #NormanGyamfi #GospelMusic #FaithAndBusiness #ChristianityToday #BlackChurch #MusicIndustry #Entrepreneurship #Spirituality #CulturalRelevance #EYL